Bollywood star Asha Bhosle at her Birmingham namesake restaurant

Nov 26 2009 by Kat Keogh, Birmingham Mail

BOLLYWOOD star Asha Bhosle brought a touch of glamour to a rainy day during a visit to her namesake restaurant in Birmingham.

The 76-year-old singer, who was the inspiration behind the 1997 Cornershop hit Brimful of Asha, stopped off at Asha’s restaurant on Newhall Street to announce a new business venture with a city businessman.

The award-winning restaurant is the only Asha’s eaterie in the UK, and has been given a mention in this year’s Michelin Guide as well as being named best Indian restaurant at the 2009 Midlands Curry Awards.

Birmingham-born property magnate Paul Bassi has now bought the UK rights to the Asha franchise, which currently has restaurants in cities across the world including New York, New Dehli and Dubai.

It is hoped that the deal will see branches being opened in major UK cities.